You only have I chosen... (Amos 3:2).

I had a friend who was the manager of a high-rise for senior citizens. Some days she got very discouraged and told me she would like to give it all up and get a job where she hears a thank-you now and then, and she's not on call twenty-four hours a day. When she talked this way I thought of how God chooses specific and special people for certain jobs because they have talents which He has given them for those very responsibilities.

Jeannie was so perfect for her position because she was blessed with the arts of listening to and patience for these older people. Unfortunately, her job was a thankless job; people constantly came in to tell her their woes, not their gratitude. But it was so obvious that she was where she was supposed to be.

When she was particularly discouraged, I shared with her Hebrews 12:3: "Consider him who endured such opposition...so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." We are human and we want to hear a word of gratitude once in a while, especially when we have gone beyond the second and third mile. But it keeps us from stumbling if we remember that Jesus went on--anyway.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for choosing--and preparing--us for life and your purposes.